Why did Erica Leave Love and Hip Hop Atlanta? Who is Erica?
by Mathelene
Updated Sep 05, 2023
Why did Erica leave Love and Hip Hop Atlanta?
Erica Mena left "Love & Hip Hop: Atlanta" due to a highly publicized incident involving comment she made towards her co-star, Spice. The series officially terminated her following this incident. The controversy unfolded during a tense argument between Mena and Spice at a restaurant, which escalated into a physical confrontation.
The argument began when Spice claimed that Mena's son didn't like her, leading to a heated exchange. Mena's offensive comments during this altercation included calling Spice a 'monkey' and expressing wishes that Spice had died during a recent near-death experience.
These remarks sparked significant backlash from viewers on social media, with many pointing out the aspects of Mena's comments. Mena, an Afro-Latina with lighter skin, directed these derogatory remarks at Spice, a darker-skinned Black Jamaican woman.
The conflict between Mena and Spice appeared to have roots in Mena's divorce from Safaree Samuels. In the episode, Mena expressed frustration with Spice for posing for a photo with her ex-husband and his rumored new girlfriend, Amara La Nega. Spice initially intended to question Safaree about child support issues but ended up siding with him after learning that Mena had made derogatory remarks about her to Safaree.
Additionally, Mena believed that Safaree had shown more sympathy towards Spice's issues than towards their divorce and her own near-death experience due to sepsis in 2022. An attempt to resolve their differences during a meeting with Shekinah took a negative turn when Spice accused Mena of being narcissistic and seeking sympathy for her divorce instead of addressing more pressing issues.
In response to these accusations, Mena flipped a table and used a slur to insult Spice, causing shock among the crew members present on set.
Viewers who shared their opinions on social media overwhelmingly condemned Mena for her offensive language and did not accept her distress as an excuse for using such derogatory slurs. As a result of the public outcry and backlash, VH1 and the "Love & Hip Hop" franchise made the decision to officially terminate Erica Mena from her role in "Love & Hip Hop: Atlanta," effective immediately, and she will not appear in the next season of the show.
Who is Erica?
Ericica Jasmin Mena is a multi-talented American individual who has made a name for herself in various entertainment fields. She was born on November 8, 1987. She is widely recognized as an actress, model, television personality, and video vixen, showcasing her versatility in the entertainment industry.
One of her most notable career milestones was her involvement in the popular "Love & Hip Hop" franchise, where she became a familiar face from 2011 to 2023. Her contributions were particularly significant in two key installments of the franchise: the New York and Atlanta editions. Through her appearances in these shows, Mena gained substantial recognition and a dedicated fan base.
In these reality TV series, Mena not only displayed her vibrant personality but also allowed viewers to witness her journey, both personally and professionally, in the world of hip-hop and entertainment. Her time in the "Love & Hip Hop" franchise contributed to her becoming a household name and a prominent figure in the world of reality television.
Erica Mena's career has been marked by her dynamic presence in the entertainment industry, and her extensive involvement in the "Love & Hip Hop" franchise played a significant role in establishing her as a well-known and influential personality in the field.
Full Name
Erica Jasmin Mena
Date of Birth
November 8, 1987
Age
35 (as of 2023)
Occupation
Actress, Model, TV Personality
Notable Work
"Love & Hip Hop" franchise, Music Videos
Erica Age
As of 2023, Erica Mena is 35 years old. Born on November 8, 1987, this American actress, model, television personality, and video vixen has reached the midpoint of her third decade. Having started her journey in the entertainment industry, Mena has garnered recognition and fame over the years, with her career encompassing a variety of roles and experiences.
At 35, Mena finds herself in a pivotal phase of her life, with a wealth of professional accomplishments and personal growth behind her. Her years in the public eye, notably through her appearances in the "Love & Hip Hop" franchise, have allowed her to connect with audiences and establish herself as a prominent figure in the world of reality television.
As she continues to navigate her career and life, her age of 35 in 2023 signifies a blend of youthful energy and the wisdom that comes with experience, making her a captivating and influential presence in the entertainment industry.
Erica Career
Erica Mena's career journey began with her rise as a model and a sought-after "video vixen." She gained recognition by starring in hip-hop music videos for renowned artists like Chris Brown, Fabolous, Akon, and Fat Joe, showcasing her captivating presence and versatility. This early exposure in the music industry helped establish her as a notable figure.
Her popularity expanded further through her appearances on reality television. She made notable contributions to shows like "Kourtney & Khloe Take Miami" and "Love & Hip Hop: New York," which was the original installment of the widely successful "Love & Hip Hop" franchise.
In addition to her television career, Erica Mena has authored two autobiographies, titled "Chronicles of a Confirmed Bachelorette" and "Underneath It All." She also ventured into the realm of reality competition by participating in VH1's "Scared Famous" during its inaugural season in October 2017.
Continuing her reality TV journey, Erica joined the cast of "Love & Hip Hop: Atlanta" for its seventh season in 2018 and returned to "Love & Hip Hop: New York" for its tenth-anniversary season in 2019.
Erica Instagram
Erica Mena has huge followers and fans on Instagram. Everyday Erica Mena shares personal lifestyles, photos, professional photoshoots, event appearances, and videos. Gradually her popularity increased sharply. Erica Mena Instagram: (@ericamena)
Erica's Filmography
Year
Title
Role
2009–2010
Kourtney & Khloe Take Miami
Herself
2011–2015, 2019–2020
Love & Hip Hop: New York
2013
The Show with Vinny
The Trisha Goddard Show
Black Ink Crew: New York
2014
106 & Park
CSI: Cyber
Brody's Girl
2016–2017
Bad Girls Club
Herself
2017
Wild 'n Out
Master of None
Nikki
Scared Famous
Contestant
2018, 2020–2023
Love & Hip Hop: Atlanta
Herself
2021
Love & Hip Hop: Secrets Unlocked
Sacrifice
Bella
2022
The Stepmother
Zoey
2022
HUSH
Gina
2022
The Stepmother 2
Zoey
2023
The Assistant
Dr. Raven Fields
2023
The Stepmother 3
Zoey
2023
Picture Me Dead
Kristen
Why did Erica leave Love and Hip Hop Atlanta? - FAQs
Erica Mena was fired from "Love & Hip Hop: Atlanta" in September 2023 following a controversy where she made comments, including calling her co-star Spice a "monkey," during a heated onscreen argument.
Erica Mena has appeared in reality TV shows such as "Kourtney & Khloe Take Miami" and "Love & Hip Hop: New York." She also competed in VH1's "Scared Famous."
Erica Mena is an American actress, model, television personality, and video vixen known for her appearances in the "Love & Hip Hop" franchise and various hip-hop music videos.
Yes, Erica Mena has authored two autobiographies: "Chronicles of a Confirmed Bachelorette" and "Underneath It All."
Erica Mena joined the cast of "Love & Hip Hop: Atlanta" for its seventh season in 2018.